NOVA SCOTIA – Farmers across Nova Scotia will be opening their farms to the public for the 18th annual Open Farm Day on Sunday, Sept. 15.
More than 30 farms will welcome thousands of Nova Scotians to their operations for a day filled with fun, facts and farming.
Each farm offers a unique, educational experience for their visitors, such as guided farm tours, displays, demonstrations, and more.
“Open Farm Day is the perfect way for Nova Scotians to meet our farmers and experience what it’s like to work on a farm,” said Agriculture Minister Keith Colwell. “Nova Scotians will see how high-quality foods become the meals we serve, how their purchases help support our rural economies and the agriculture sector every day, and understand the benefits of purchasing and using locally grown and made products, helping us to become more self-sufficient as a province.
Open Farm Day is an Atlantic wide event.
“Open Farm Day is a great opportunity to get out and visit some of the farms in your area. Learn more about all that Nova Scotia agriculture has to offer and what is produced by the farms in our province,” said Victor Oulton, president of Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture.
Following is a list of Colchester County farms taking part in Open Farm Day:
Ebbett’s Meadow Brook Farm
Farm Type: Livestock
Address: 8647 Nova Scotia 311
Directions to Farm: From Truro, take Hwy 311 north to Tatamagouche (45km). From Sunrise Trail, take Hwy 311 south (6km). **When using google maps, use the location “NS 311”, NOT “Hwy 311”.
Hours: noon to 3 p.m.
Activities: Hay wagon ride out over the rolling hills to visit with the cattle in the fields. Barbecue hosted by Warmth by Design, featuring grilling on the “Big Green Egg.” Taste samples available and food for purchase. Tour the farm buildings and have an opportunity to visit with various farm animals. Retail farm market open.
Sugar Moon Farm
Farm Type: Maple Syrup
Address: 221 Alex MacDonald Rd., Earltown
Directions to Farm: From Truro, take Hwy 311 towards Tatamagouche for 20km, Sugar Moon on the left. From Tatamagouche, head down 311 towards Truro for 20km, Sugar Moon on right.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Activities: Indoor camp tours will be available at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m .for $5/adult, $3/kids 12 and under (preschoolers free). See how we make our wood-fired maple syrup and hear how we’ve created a small-farm business out here in Earltown. All day maple breakfast (menu on website) in our log dining room. Beautiful hiking trails, and a little maple shop. Sugar on snow will be offered at noon and 2 p.m. for $2/stick.
Sullivan’s Family Farm
Farm Type: Meat, produce, eggs, livestock
Address: 161 Sullivan Rd., Nuttby
Directions to Farm: 20-25 minutes from Truro off Hwy 311 on your way to Tatamagouche.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Activities: Farm tours, wagon rides, farm sales table, barbecue and animal petting. Debit/credit available at our sales table. The rest of the event is cash only. Hands on animal interaction provided when able.
Cochrane Family Farm
Farm Type: Certified organic vegetable, seeds, and herbs.
Address: 5324 Hwy 289, Upper Stewiacke
Directions to Farm: From Hwy 102, take Exit 12 to Brookfield and drive 26 km up the 289E. From New Glasgow area take Exit 20 and drive 65 km (45 min) on the 289W.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Activities: Tours of our greenhouses, raised beds, high tunnels and gardens, as well as our seed production area. Over 130 different things grown here all certified organic, our farm market will be open with over 200 local and organic products. Coffee, tea, baked goods available for purchase. No pets or smoking. Registered service dogs allowed.
Windmill Holsteins
Farm Type: Dairy and Biogas
Address: 1396 Hwy 224, Shubenacadie
Directions to Farm: From the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park, take Hwy 224 towards Musquodoboit. 3.4km on your left you will see 1396 (Gays River Rd.)
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Activities: We will be having tours of the Biogas and Dairy farm. Barbecue from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations to Canadian Food Grains.